Signaling method to enable full duplex in next generation docsis cable modem standard

ABSTRACT

A head-end equipment associated with a communication system configured to interface with an interference group (IG) composed of two or more modems is disclosed. The head-end equipment comprises a memory configured to store a plurality of instructions; and one or more processors configured to retrieve the plurality of instructions from the memory. In some embodiments, the one or more processors, upon execution of the plurality of instructions from the memory, is configured to generate an advanced warning signal to be provided to one or more modems associated with the IG. In some embodiments, the advanced warning signal comprises an information that a select modem, different from the one or more modems, in the IG will be initiating an upstream communication in a select frequency band, as well as information on a start time and a duration of the upstream communication.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional Application No.62/479,426, filed Mar. 31, 2017, entitled “SIGNALING METHOD TO ENABLEFULL DUPLEX IN NEXT GENERATION DOCSIS CABLE MODEM STANDARD”, thecontents of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of communication systems,and a system and method for signaling to enable full duplex in a cablemodem communication networks.

BACKGROUND

With the advancement of communication technology, more and morecommunication systems utilize full duplex (FDX). In FDX, both upstreamand downstream communications share the same frequency band. Inparticular, the data over cable service interface specification (Docsis)cable modem standard for next generation hybrid fiber coax (HFC)technology will be based on full duplex (FDX). In FDX, a cable modem(CM) in a cable modem communication network can transmit upstream in thesame frequency band as the head-end, for example, cable modemtermination system (CMTS) or Remote-PHY node, transmits downstream. Anupstream transmission burst from the CM will therefore interfere withdownstream communication from the CMTS, temporarily “blinding” thereception of other neighboring CMs that are within an “InterferenceGroup” (IG) (for example, on the same cable tap) as the CM transmittingupstream. As a result, the neighboring cable modems may go out of lock,and re-synchronization does take time. In some embodiments, blinding maycause degradation of the received signal quality, thereby degrading thereception of other neighboring CMs that are within the IG. Further, suchblinding would negate much of the gains that could otherwise be madethrough the use of FDX.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some examples of circuits, apparatuses and/or methods will be describedin the following by way of example only. In this context, reference willbe made to the accompanying Figures.

FIG. 1a illustrates a simplified block diagram of a communicationsystem, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1b illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a cable modemcommunication network, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a cable modemcommunication network, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an apparatus for use ina head-end equipment that facilitates to provide an advance warningsignal to a modem associated therewith during a full-duplex mode,according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an apparatus for use ina modem that facilitates to take a protective action during a potentialblinding event, according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method for a head-end equipment ina communication system, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method 600 for a modem in acommunication system, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of device (e.g.,cable modem or gateway, etc.) related to access of a network, accordingto the various embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a head-end equipment associatedwith a communication system configured to interface with an interferencegroup (IG) composed of two or more modems is disclosed. The head-endequipment comprises a memory configured to store a plurality ofinstructions; and one or more processors. In some embodiments, the oneor more processors is configured to retrieve the plurality ofinstructions from the memory, and upon execution of the plurality ofinstructions is configured to determine an upcoming upstreamtransmission from a select modem in the IG in a select frequency band.In some embodiments, the one or more processors is further configured togenerate an advanced warning signal to be provided to one or moremodems, different from the select modem, in the IG or suspend adownstream communication from the head-end equipment to the one or moremodems of the IG in the select frequency band during a duration of theupstream communication, or both. In some embodiments, the advancedwarning signal communicates an information that the select modem in theIG will be initiating the upstream communication in the select frequencyband, as well as information on a start time and the duration of theupstream communication.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a head-end equipment associatedwith a communication system configured to interface with an interferencegroup (IG) composed of two or more modems is disclosed. The head-endequipment comprises a memory configured to store a plurality ofinstructions; and one or more processors. In some embodiments, the oneor more processors is configured to retrieve the plurality ofinstructions from the memory, and upon execution of the plurality ofinstructions is configured to generate an advanced warning signal to beprovided to one or more modems associated with the IG. In someembodiments, the advanced warning signal communicates an informationthat a select modem, different from the one or more modems, in the IGwill be initiating an upstream communication in a select frequency band,as well as information on a start time and a duration of the upstreamcommunication.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a modem associated with acommunication system configured to interface with a head-end equipmentin a full duplex mode (FDX), wherein the modem is a member of aninterference group (IG) of a plurality of modems is disclosed. The modemcomprises a memory configured to store a plurality of instructions; andone or more processors. In some embodiments, the one or more processorsis configured to retrieve the plurality of instructions from the memory,and upon execution of the plurality of instructions is configured toreceive an advance warning signal from the head-end equipment. In someembodiments, the advance warning signal comprises information thatanother select modem of the IG will be initiating an upstreamcommunication in a select frequency band, as well as information on astart time and a duration of the signaled upstream communication. Insome embodiments, the one or more processors is further configured totake a protective action to protect the modem from a potential blindingevent associated with the upstream communication in the select frequencyband, in response to the advance warning signal, thereby enabling themodem to remain in a lock state with the head-end equipment, during theupstream communication in the select frequency band.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a cable modem termination system(CMTS) configured to interface with an interference group (IG) composedof two or more cable modems (CMs) is disclosed. The CMTS comprises amemory configured to store a plurality of instructions; and one or moreprocessors. In some embodiments, the one or more processors isconfigured to retrieve the plurality of instructions from the memory,and upon execution of the plurality of instructions is configured togenerate an advanced warning signal to be provided to one or more cablemodems (CMs) associated with the IG. In some embodiments, the advancedwarning signal communicates an information that a select CM, differentfrom the one or more CMs, in the IG will be initiating an upstreamcommunication in a select frequency band, as well as information on astart time and a duration of the upstream communication.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a cable modem (CM) configured tointerface with a cable modem termination system (CMTS) in a full duplexmode (FDX) is disclosed. In some embodiments, the cable modem is amember of an interference group (IG) of a plurality of CMs. In someembodiments, the cable modem comprises a memory configured to store aplurality of instructions; and one or more processors. In someembodiments, the one or more processors is configured to retrieve theplurality of instructions from the memory, and upon execution of theplurality of instructions is configured to receive an advance warningsignal from the CMTS. In some embodiments, the advance warning signalcomprises information that another select CM of the IG will beinitiating an upstream communication in a select frequency band, as wellas information on a start time and a duration of the signaled upstreamcommunication. In some embodiments, the one or more processors isfurther configured to take a protective action to protect the CM from apotential blinding event associated with the upstream communication inthe select frequency band, in response to the advance warning signal. Insome embodiments, taking the protective action enables the CM to remainin a lock state with the CMTS, during the upstream communication in theselect frequency band.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a method for cable modemtermination system (CMTS) configured to interface with an interferencegroup (IG) composed of two or more cable modems (CMs) is disclosed. Themethod comprises generating, at a processing circuit associated with theCMTS, an advanced warning signal to be provided to one or more cablemodems (CMs) associated with the IG. In some embodiments, the advancedwarning signal communicates an information that a select CM, differentfrom the one or more CMs, in the IG will be initiating an upstreamcommunication in a select frequency band, as well as information on astart time and a duration of the upstream communication.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a method for a cable modem (CM)configured to interface with a cable modem termination system (CMTS) ina full duplex mode (FDX), wherein the cable modem is a member of aninterference group (IG) of a plurality of CMs is disclosed. The methodcomprises receiving, at a processing circuit associated with the CM, anadvance warning signal from the CMTS, wherein the advance warning signalcomprises information that another select CM of the IG will beinitiating an upstream communication in a select frequency band, as wellas information on a start time and a duration of the signaled upstreamcommunication. In some embodiments, the method further comprises takinga protective action to protect the CM from a potential blinding eventassociated with the upstream communication in the select frequency band,by the processing circuit, in response to the advance warning signal,thereby enabling the CM to remain in a lock state with the CMTS, duringthe upstream communication in the select frequency band.

The present disclosure will now be described with reference to theattached drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals are used torefer to like elements throughout, and wherein the illustratedstructures and devices are not necessarily drawn to scale. As utilizedherein, terms “component,” “system,” “interface,” “circuit,” “equipment”and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity,hardware, software (e.g., in execution), and/or firmware. For example, acomponent can be a processor (e.g., a microprocessor, a controller, orother processing device), a process running on a processor, acontroller, an object, an executable, a program, a storage device, acomputer, a tablet PC and/or a user equipment (e.g., mobile phone, etc.)with a processing device. By way of illustration, an application runningon a server and the server can also be a component. One or morecomponents can reside within a process, and a component can be localizedon one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. A setof elements or a set of other components can be described herein, inwhich the term “set” can be interpreted as “one or more.”

Further, these components can execute from various computer readablestorage media having various data structures stored thereon such as witha module, for example. The components can communicate via local and/orremote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or moredata packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with anothercomponent in a local system, distributed system, and/or across anetwork, such as, the Internet, a local area network, a wide areanetwork, or similar network with other systems via the signal).

As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specificfunctionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric orelectronic circuitry, in which the electric or electronic circuitry canbe operated by a software application or a firmware application executedby one or more processors. The one or more processors can be internal orexternal to the apparatus and can execute at least a part of thesoftware or firmware application. As yet another example, a componentcan be an apparatus that provides specific functionality throughelectronic components without mechanical parts; the electroniccomponents can include one or more processors therein to executesoftware and/or firmware that confer(s), at least in part, thefunctionality of the electronic components.

Use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concretefashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to meanan inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unlessspecified otherwise, or clear from conte8, “X employs A or B” isintended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, ifX employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs Aor B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition,the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appendedclaims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unlessspecified otherwise or clear from conte8 to be directed to a singularform. Furthermore, to the event that the terms “including”, “includes”,“having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either thedetailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.The same reference numbers may be used in different drawings to identifythe same or similar elements. In the following description, for purposesof explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth suchas particular structures, architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects ofvarious embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the variousaspects of the various embodiments may be practiced in other examplesthat depart from these specific details. In certain instances,descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted soas not to obscure the description of the various embodiments withunnecessary detail.

As indicated above, the Docsis cable modem standard for next generationhybrid fiber coax (HFC) technology will be based on full duplex (FDX).In Docsis, downstream communication from the cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS) to the cable modem (CM) is a continuous signal while theupstream communication from the CM to the CMTS occurs in bursts. The CMremains synchronized to the downstream communication all the time andderives the timing needed for upstream transmissions from the downstreamsignal. In current implementation of Docsis, the upstream and downstreamcommunications are on different frequency bands (not full duplex),therefore the upstream communication does not interfere with thedownstream communication. However, with the introduction of full duplex(FDX) in Docsis or any other standard that employs full duplex, thissituation will change. In FDX, the upstream and downstreamcommunications share the same frequency band, but the transmission moderemains the same as before, i.e., the downstream communication iscontinuous while the upstream communication or transmission occurs asbursts.

In a typical cable plant, multiple cable modems may be in closeproximity with respect to one another. For example, in some embodiments,multiple cable modems may be connected to the same cable tap. Therefore,in such embodiments, an upstream transmission from a CM on that tap mayappear as a severe noise burst to all other neighboring CMs on that tap,i.e., these neighboring CMs will be “blinded”. In the embodimentsdescribed herein, all the CMs that are in close proximity with respectto one another are defined to be part of an Interference Group (IG). Inother words, an IG is a group of CMs that interfere with each other,like a set of CMs on a single tap. In some embodiments, IG has a broadermeaning and is not restricted to the interfering CMs that are on thesame tap.

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned blinding of the neighboring CMsaffect the efficient operation of the cable modem communication network.For example, if the interference power of the upstream communication ishigh and the duration long, the neighboring CMs may go out of lock. Ifthe CMs go out of lock, the CMs will have to re-synchronize to thedownstream signal and re-register with the CMTS and this is atime-consuming process. Further, if the CMs go out of lock, the CMs maytake long to recover (due to the need to re-synchronize). In suchembodiments, the CMTS cannot schedule transmissions to these neighboringCMs during this recovery period, and this represents loss of capacitybecause the CMTS cannot schedule a packet to the CM until it is surethat the CM has recovered. Further, in some embodiments, even if the CMrecovers quickly, the CMTS has no option to know that the CM hasrecovered. Therefore, in such embodiments, the CMTS will be forced toprovide a long period after the end of the upstream burst before itschedules anything to those CMs.

In order to overcome the above problems, an apparatus and a method thatenables an efficient implementation of full duplex communication in acable modem communication network is proposed in this disclosure. Inparticular, in one embodiment, a CMTS associated with the cable modemcommunication network that provides an advance warning to CMs of thesame IG about an upcoming upstream communication burst is proposed.Further, in another embodiment, a cable modem associated with the cablemodem communication network that takes a protective action uponreceiving the advanced warning from the CMTS is proposed. In someembodiments, taking the protective action enables the CMs to remainsynchronized or in lock with the CMTS during the upstream communicationof a CM in the same IG, thereby reducing the adverse effects of theblinding issue indicated above. Although the proposed method isexplained herein with reference to a cable based communication system(i.e., a cable modem communication network), the proposed apparatus andmethod is application to any communication system (i.e., wired orwireless) having a head-end equipment and one or more modems ortransceivers associated therewith. In case of a wireless communicationnetwork, an IG may consist of a set of wireless transceivers in closeproximity such that their transmissions interfere with one another.

FIG. 1a illustrates a simplified block diagram of a communication system100, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The communicationsystem 100 comprises a head-end equipment 102 and a plurality of modems104 a-104 i organized in a plurality of interference groups (IGs) 106a-106 c. In some embodiments, the head-end equipment 102 comprises anequipment comprising a plurality of components located at a head-endlocation or a central location of a communication system and isconfigured to communicate with one or more modems or transceivers (e.g.,the plurality of modems 104 a-104 i). However, in other embodiments, thehead-end equipment 102 may be located a location different from thecentral location, for example, a communication node. In someembodiments, the modems 104 a-104 i comprises equipments (orcommunication devices) that are located at a location different from thecentral location and is configured to communicate with the head-endequipment. In the embodiments described herein, the modems 104 a-104 irefer to any transceiver or communication device that is configured tocommunicate with a head-end equipment and is not to be construed aslimited to a cable modem. In some embodiments, the modems 104 a-104 icomprises equipments that are located in a user location.

In some embodiments, an IG may consist of a set of modems ortransceivers (or communication devices) in close proximity such thattheir transmissions interfere with one another. As can be seen in FIG.1a , an IG is not determined and identified by its architecture withrespect to the head-end equipment 102, but instead by the interferenceenvironment associated with the various modems 104. That is, aparticular modem 104 a is determined to be in an IG with other modems104 b, 104 c based on an impact an upstream communication of one modemof the group has on the receipt of a concurrent downstream communicationfrom the head-end equipment 102 to the other modems. That is, in oneexample embodiment, an upstream communication by modem0 104 a will causea blinding event for modem1 104 b and modem2 104 c but not for the othermodems 104 d-104 i, and thus modem0 104 a, modem1 104 b and modem2 104 care in an IG group 106 a. In some embodiments, it is assumed that thehead-end equipment 102 is aware of its IGs, prior to starting actualupstream/downstream communication. In some embodiments, one or moreprocedures are performed at the head-end equipment 102, prior to theupstream/downstream communication, in order to determine the IGsassociated with the head-end equipment 102. However, those proceduresare not explained herein as they are not considered to be within thescope of this disclosure.

In some embodiments, the communication system 100 can comprise wirelesscommunication systems or wired communication systems. For example, insome embodiments, the communication system 100 can comprise a data overcable service interface specification (Docsis) cable modem system,digital subscriber line (DSL) system, Wi-Fi communication system,cellular communication system, fixed-wireless access communicationsystem, optical communication system (e.g., passive optical network)etc. In particular, the Docsis cable modem system comprises a cablemodem termination system (CMTS) as the head-end equipment 102 and aplurality of cable modems (CMs) as the plurality of modems 104 a-104 i.The DSL system comprises a digital subscriber line access multiplexer(DSLAM) as the head-end equipment 102 and a plurality of customerpremises equipment (CPE) DSL modems as the plurality of modems 104 a-104i. The Wi-Fi communication system comprises an access point (AP) as thehead-end equipment 102 and client stations (e.g., cell phones, tablets,PCs, IoT devices etc.) as the plurality of modems 104 a-104 i. Thecellular communication system comprises base stations as the head-endequipment 102 and the user equipments (e.g., cell phones, tablets, PCs,IoT devices etc.) as the plurality of modems 104 a-104 i. The passiveoptical network comprises optical line terminal (OLT) as the head-endequipment 102 and optical network units (ONUs) as the plurality ofmodems 104 a-104 i. Similarly, the fixed-wireless access communicationsystem also comprises a head-end equipment and CPE modems at subscriberlocations.

In some embodiments, the communication system 100 is configured tooperate in full duplex (FDX). That is, in some embodiments, thedownstream communication from the head-end equipment 102 and theupstream communication from the modems 104 a-104 i can share the samefrequency band. In some embodiments, an upstream communication of aselect modem (e.g., modem0 in the IG 106 a) in an IG can interfere withthe downstream communication of the head-end equipment 102 with one ormore neighboring modems (e.g., modem1 and modem2 in the IG 106 a) of thesame IG, thereby blinding the one or more neighboring modems. In orderto avoid the effects of blinding as indicated above, in someembodiments, the head-end equipment 102 is configured to provide anadvance warning (e.g., an advance warning signal) to the one or moreneighboring modems in an IG about the upcoming upstream communicationfrom the select modem in a select frequency band/channel, furtherdetails of which are given in an embodiment below. In some embodiments,the advance warning signal comprises one or more advance warning signalsthat are respectively provided to the one or more neighboring modems.Alternately, in some embodiments, the head-end equipment 102 isconfigured to discontinue/suspend the downstream communication to theone or more neighboring modems (e.g., modem1 and modem2 in the IG 106 a)in the select frequency band, during the upstream communication from theselect modem, that is modem0, in order to avoid the effects of blinding.Furthermore, in some embodiments, head-end equipment 102 is configuredto provide the advance warning (e.g., an advance warning signal) to theone or more neighboring modems in an IG about the upcoming upstreamcommunication from the select modem in a select frequency band/channelas well as discontinue/suspend the downstream communication to the oneor more neighboring modems (e.g., modem1 and modem2 in the IG 106 a) inthe select frequency band, during the upstream communication from theselect modem.

Upon receiving the advance warning, in some embodiments, the one or moreneighboring modems (e.g., modem1 and modem2 in the IG 106 a) isconfigured to take a protective action, in order to prevent the adverseeffects of blinding in the select frequency band. For example, in someembodiments, the one or more neighboring modems may be configured tosave a current state of the respective modems, prior to the upstreamcommunication from the select modem, further details of which are givenin an embodiment below. In some embodiments, the one or more neighboringmodems is further configured to suspend a receipt of the downstreamcommunication from the head-end equipment 102 in the select frequencyband, during a duration of the upstream communication of the selectmodem. In some embodiments, the one or more neighboring modems isfurther configured to resume the receipt of the downstream communicationfrom the head-end equipment 102 in the select frequency band, at the endof the upstream communication of the select modem. In some embodiments,saving the current state enables the one or more neighboring modems torecover quickly and resume the receipt of the downstream communicationfrom the head-end equipment 102 in the select frequency band at the endof the upstream communication of the select modem.

FIG. 1b illustrates a simplified block diagram of a cable modemcommunication network 150, according to one embodiment of thedisclosure. In some embodiments, the cable modem communication network150 comprises an example implementation of the communication system 100in FIG. 1a . Even though, all the embodiments that follows are describedwith reference to a cable modem communication network, the communicationsystem 100 in FIG. 1a is not to be construed to be limited to a cablemodem communication network. Rather, the communication system 100 cancomprise other cable based or wireless communication system, in otherembodiments. In some embodiments, the cable modem communication network150 comprises a Docsis compliant cable modem communication network. Thecable modem communication network 150 includes a cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS) 152 and a plurality of cable modems (CMs) 154 a-154 iorganized in a plurality of interference groups 156 a-156 c. In someembodiments, the CMTS 152 comprises an equipment comprising a pluralityof components located at a head-end location or a central location of acable modem communication network. In some embodiments, the CMTS 152 mayinclude a CMTS core and a remote PHY device, coupled to one another. Insome embodiments, the CMTS core and the remote PHY device are coupled toone another over a digital fiber or other link such as Ethernet orpassive optical network (PON). In some embodiments, the CMTS core andthe remote PHY device work together to provide downstream communicationto the one or more CMs 154 a-154 i. In some embodiments, the CMTS coreand the remote PHY device can be integrated on a single platform at thesame location (e.g., at the head-end), sometimes referred to herein asan integrated CMTS. However, in other embodiments, the CMTS core and theremote PHY device can be on different platforms and at differentlocations (e.g., the CMTS core at the head-end and the remote PHY devicefurther downstream of the CMTS core). Therefore, in the embodimentsdescribed throughout this disclosure, the term CMTS is defined to referto a system comprising both the CMTS core and the remote PHY device(either integrated together or separated). In particular, in theembodiments described throughout the disclosure, a downstreamcommunication from a CMTS (e.g., the CMTS 152) can refer to a downstreamcommunication from an integrated CMTS at the head-end or a remote PHYdevice or a CMTS core. Similarly, in the embodiments describedthroughout the disclosure, an upstream communication from a CM can bereceived at the integrated CMTS or the remote PHY.

As can be seen in FIG. 1b , an IG is not determined and identified byits architecture with respect to the CMTS 152, but instead by theinterference environment associated with the various cable modems 154.That is, a particular cable modem 154 a is determined to be in an IGwith other CMs 154 b, 154 c based on an impact an upstream communicationof one CM of the group has on the receipt of a concurrent downstreamcommunication from the CMTS. That is, in one example embodiment, anupstream communication by CM0 154 a will cause a blinding event for CM1and CM2 but not for the other CMs 154 d-154 i, and thus CM0 154 a, CM1154 b and CM2 154 c are in an IG group 156 a. In some embodiments, it isassumed that the CMTS 152 is aware of its IGs, prior to starting actualupstream/downstream communication. In some embodiments, one or moreprocedures are performed at the CMTS 152, prior to theupstream/downstream communication, in order to determine the IGsassociated with the CMTS 152. However, those procedures are notexplained herein as they are not considered to be within the scope ofthis disclosure.

In some embodiments, the cable modem communication network 150 isconfigured to operate in full duplex (FDX). That is, in someembodiments, the downstream communication from the CMTS 152 and theupstream communication from the CMs can share the same frequency band.In some embodiments, an upstream communication of a select CM (e.g., CM0in the IG 156 a) in an IG can interfere with the downstreamcommunication of the CMTS with one or more neighboring CMs (e.g., CM1and CM2 in the IG 156 a) of the same IG, thereby blinding the one ormore neighboring CMs. In order to avoid the effects of blinding asindicated above, in some embodiments, the CMTS 152 is configured toprovide an advance warning (e.g., an advance warning signal) to the oneor more neighboring CMs in an IG about the upcoming upstreamcommunication from the select CM in a select frequency band/channel,further details of which are given in an embodiment below. In someembodiments, the advance warning signal comprises one or more advancewarning signals that are respectively provided to the one or moreneighboring CMs. Alternately, in some embodiments, the CMTS 152 isconfigured to discontinue/suspend the downstream communication to theone or more neighboring CMs (e.g., CM1 and CM2 in the IG 156 a) in theselect frequency band, during the upstream communication from the selectCM, that is CM0, in order to avoid the effects of blinding. Alternately,in some embodiments, the CMTS 152 is configured to provide the advancewarning (e.g., an advance warning signal) to the one or more neighboringCMs in the IG about the upcoming upstream communication from the selectCM in the select frequency band/channel as well as discontinue/suspendthe downstream communication to the one or more neighboring CMs (e.g.,CM1 and CM2 in the IG 156 a) in the select frequency band, during theupstream communication from the select modem.

Upon receiving the advance warning, in some embodiments, the one or moreneighboring CMs (e.g., CM1 and CM2 in the IG 156 a) is configured totake a protective action, in order to prevent the adverse effects ofblinding in the select frequency band. For example, in some embodiments,the one or more neighboring CMs may be configured to save a currentstate of the respective CMs, prior to the upstream communication fromthe select CM, further details of which are given in an embodimentbelow. In some embodiments, the one or more neighboring CMs are furtherconfigured to suspend a receipt of the downstream communication from theCMTS 152 in the select frequency band, during a duration of the upstreamcommunication of the select CM, based on the information in the advancewarning signal. In some embodiments, the one or more CMs is furtherconfigured to resume the receipt of the downstream communication fromthe CMTS 152 in the select frequency band, at the end of the upstreamcommunication of the select CM, based on the information in the advancewarning signal. In some embodiments, saving the current state enablesthe one or more neighboring CMs to recover quickly and resume thereceipt of the downstream communication from the CMTS 152 in the selectfrequency band at the end of the upstream communication of the selectCM.

FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a cable modemcommunication network 200, according to one embodiment of thedisclosure. In some embodiments, the cable modem communication network200 comprises a Docsis compliant cable modem communication network. Insome embodiments, the cable modem communication network 200 comprises apart of the compliant cable modem communication network 150 in FIG. 1b .The cable modem communication network 200 comprises a cable modemtermination system (CMTS) 202, a first cable modem CM0 204 a and asecond cable modem CM1 204 b. In some embodiments, the cable modems CM0204 a and CM1 204 b belong to a same interference group (IG) 206. Inthis embodiment, the cable modem communication network 200 is shown tohave only 2 cable modems for the ease of reference. However, in otherembodiments, the cable modem communication network 200 can comprise anynumber of cable modems grouped into one or more IGs.

Further, in this embodiment, the cable modem communication network 200is shown to comprise only one IG, that is, the IG 206. However, in otherembodiments, the cable modem communication network 200 may comprise aplurality of IGs, each comprising two or more CMs that interfereseverely with one another, as shown in FIG. 1b above. Furthermore, eventhough the following details are given with reference to the cable modemcommunication network 200, the details or the method are applicable toany communication system (e.g., the communication system 100 in FIG. 1a). In particular, the details/method explained herein with reference tothe CMTS 202 is applicable to any head-end equipment (e.g., head-endequipment 102) configured to communicate with at least two modems ordevices in an IG in any communication system. Similarly, thedetails/method explained herein with reference to the CM0 204 a and CM1204 b is applicable to any modem (e.g., the modems 104 a-104 i) in an IGconfigured to communicate with a head-end equipment in any communicationsystem.

In some embodiments, the CMTS 202 is configured to determine informationon an upcoming upstream communication from CM0 204 a or CM1 204 b, orboth. In this example embodiment, for the sake of easier explanation,the CMTS 202 is shown to determine an upcoming upstream communicationfrom CM1 204 b. In some embodiments, the information on the upcomingupstream communication comprises information on a start time, duration,frequency band etc. of the upcoming upstream communication. In someembodiments, an upstream communication from the CM1 204 b in a selectfrequency band may interfere with a downstream communication between theCMTS 202 and the neighboring cable modem, CM0 204 a, on the selectfrequency band. In some embodiments, the CM0 204 a will be blinded asindicated above, and will not be able to receive the downstreamcommunication from the CMTS 202 in the select frequency band, during theupstream communication of the cable modem CM1 204 b in the selectfrequency band. However, the CM0 204 a may be able to receive downstreamcommunication in another frequency band, different from the selectfrequency band, during the upstream communication of the cable modem CM1204 b in the select frequency band.

In some embodiments, the CMTS 202 is configured to determine informationon an upcoming upstream communication from the CM1 204 b based onreceiving an upstream communication request signal 208 from the CM1 204b. For example, in some embodiments, when one of the CMs, for example,CM1 204 b has an upstream data to be transmitted to the CMTS 202, theCM1 204 b is configured to transmit the upstream communication requestsignal 208 to the CMTS 202. In some embodiments, the upstreamcommunication request signal 208 comprises a request to allocateresources to the CM1 204 b, to enable the CM1 204 b to transmit theupstream data. In some embodiments, upstream communication requestsignal 208 further comprises information on one or more parametersassociated with the upstream data, for example, length as number of bitsetc. However, in other embodiments, the CMTS 202 may determine theinformation on an upcoming upstream communication from the CM1 204 b,differently. Upon receiving the upstream communication request signal208, the CMTS 202 is configured to allocate/schedule resources to theCM1 204 b for upstream communication, based on the information in theupstream communication request signal 208. For example, in someembodiments, the CMTS 202 schedules the CM1 204 b to transmit upstreamcommunication in a select frequency band.

Upon determination of the upcoming upstream communication from CM1 204 bin a select frequency band, in order to prevent the effect of blindingfor the cable modem CM0 204 a in the select frequency band, in someembodiments, the CMTS 202 is configured to generate and provide anadvance warning signal 210 to the CM0 204 a (i.e., the neighboring CM),prior to the upstream communication from the cable modem CM1 204 b. Inthis embodiment, the CMTS 202 is shown to provide the advance warningsignal 210 only to the CM, CM0 204 a. However, in other embodiments, theCMTS 202 may be configured to provide the advance warning signal 210 toone or more neighboring CMs (not shown) in the same IG as the CM, CM1204 b. In some embodiments, the advance warning signal 210 comprises aninformation that a select CM (for example, the CM1 204 b) in the IG 206will be initiating an upstream communication in the select frequencyband. In some embodiments, the advance warning signal 210 furthercomprises information on a start time and a duration of the upstreamcommunication. In some embodiments, when there are one or moreneighboring CMs in an IG, the advance warning signals 210 can compriseone or more advance warning signals to be provided respectively to theone or more neighboring CMs.

In some embodiments, the CMTS 202 may be configured to generate theadvance warning signal 210 based on inserting the information associatedwith the advance warning signal 210 into physical layer OFDM symbolheaders. Further, in some embodiments, the CMTS 202 may be configured toprovide the advance warning signal 210 to the CM0 204 a over a PhysicalLayer Channel (PLC). Alternately, in some embodiments, the CMTS 202 maybe configured to provide the advance warning signal 210 to the CM0 204 avia media access control (MAC) messaging, for example in a media accessplan (MAP) message. However, in other embodiments, the CMTS 202 may beconfigured to generate and provide the advance warning signal 210differently than above.

Alternately, in some embodiments, upon determination of the upcomingupstream communication in the select frequency band, the CMTS 202 isconfigured to suspend a downstream communication from the CMTS 202 tothe CM0 204 a in the select frequency band, during the duration of thesignaled upstream communication from the CM1 204 b, in order to preventthe effect of blinding for the cable modem CM0 204 a in the selectfrequency band. In some embodiments, however, the CMTS 202 may beconfigured to schedule the downstream communication to the CM0 204 a ofthe IG, in a frequency band, different from the select frequency band,during the duration of the signaled upstream communication. In someembodiments, the CMTS 202 is further configured to resume the downstreamcommunication to the CM0 204 a in the select frequency band, after thesignaled upstream communication has completed, based on the start timeand the duration. Alternately, in some embodiments, upon determinationof the upcoming upstream communication in the select frequency band, theCMTS 202 is configured to generate and provide an advance warning signal210 to the CM0 204 a (i.e., the neighboring CM), prior to the upstreamcommunication from the cable modem CM1 204 b as well as suspend adownstream communication from the CMTS 202 to the CM0 204 a in theselect frequency band, during the duration of the signaled upstreamcommunication from the CM1 204 b, in order to prevent the effect ofblinding for the cable modem CM0 204 a in the select frequency band.

Upon receiving the advance warning signal 210, in some embodiments, theCM0 204 a is configured to take a protective action to protect the CM0204 a from the potential blinding event associated with the upstreamcommunication of the CM1 204 b in the select frequency band. In someembodiments, the CM0 204 a is configured to take a protective actionbased on the start time and the duration of the upstream communication,provided in the advance warning signal 210. In some embodiments, it iscontemplated that the protective action enables the CM0 204 a to beeffectively in a “frozen” or “locked” state during the time frame of theupstream communication, in which state the CM0 204 a does not lose itslock with the CMTS 202. In such a manner, the CM 204 a stays in lockwith the CMTS 202 despite the existence of the blinding event, whichallows the CM0 204 a to quickly re-start/recover at the end of thepotential blinding event, without a need to re-synchronize with the CMTS202.

In some embodiments, the CM0 204 a is configured to take the protectiveaction based on saving one or more parameters associated with a currentstate of the CM0 204 a (e.g., a state of the CM0 204 a at or just beforethe start time of the upstream communication), in a memory associatedwith the CM0 204 a. However, in other embodiments, the CM0 204 a may beconfigured to take the protective action differently than above. In someembodiments, the current state of the CM, for example, the CM0 204 a, ischaracterized by one or more of a signal level, a signal timing, afrequency offset, and a channel frequency response. However, in otherembodiments, the current state of a CM can be characterized differently,for example, using other parameters different from above. In someembodiments, the CM0 204 a is further configured to suspend a receipt ofa downstream communication from the CMTS 202 in the select frequencyband, during the duration of the signaled upstream communication,thereby further enabling the CM0 204 a to remain in the lock state.

In some embodiments, the CM0 204 a is further configured to restore itscurrent state, at the end of the potential blinding event. In someembodiments, the CM0 204 a includes a timer (not shown) that beginscounting based on a start time of the upstream communication provided inthe advance warning signal 210. When the timer reaches a predeterminedcount value based on the duration of the upstream communication providedin the advance warning signal 210, the CM0 204 a is configured torestore the current state that was stored in memory. Upon restoring thecurrent state, in some embodiments, the CM0 204 a is further configuredto resume the receipt of downstream communications from the CMTS 202.

FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an apparatus 300 foruse in a head-end equipment that facilitates to provide an advancewarning signal to a modem associated therewith during a full-duplexmode, according to various embodiments described herein. In someembodiments, the head-end equipment comprises a cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS) and the modem comprises a cable modem. In someembodiments, the apparatus 300 could be included within the head-endequipment 102 in FIG. 1a or the CMTS 152 in FIG. 1b or within the CMTS202 in FIG. 2. The apparatus 300 is explained herein with reference tothe CMTS 202 in FIG. 2. However, in other embodiments, the apparatus canbe explained with reference to any head-end equipment (e.g., thehead-end equipment 102 in FIG. 1a ). The apparatus 300 includes aprocessing circuit 310, a transceiver circuit 320 (which can facilitatecommunication of data via one or more networks in some aspects) and amemory circuit 330 (which can comprise any of a variety of storagemediums and can store instructions and/or data associated with at leastone of the processor 310 or transceiver circuitry 320). In someembodiments, the transceiver circuit 320 may include, inter alia,down-mixers, filters, and A/D converters to convert the high frequencyupstream communication to digital data, such as baseband data forexample. Further, in some embodiments, the transceiver circuit 320 mayinclude, inter alia, up-mixers, filters, and D/A converters to convertdigital data, such as baseband data for example, to high frequencydownstream communication. In some embodiments, the transceiver circuit320 can include one or more transceiver circuits, for example, a firsttransceiver circuit associated with the CMTS core of the CMTS and asecond transceiver circuit associated with the remote PHY device of theCMTS.

In one embodiment, the transceiver circuitry 320 passes the digital datato the processing circuit 310. In some embodiments, the transceivercircuit 320 can comprise a receiver circuit and a transmitter circuit.In some embodiments, the processing circuit 310 can include one or moreprocessors. In some embodiments, the one or more processors can beintegrated on a single chip or at a same location (e.g., the integratedCMTS at the head-end). However, in other embodiments, the one or moreprocessors can be embedded on different chips or at different locations(e.g., associated with the CMTS core of the CMTS and the remote PHYdevice of the CMTS). In some embodiments, the memory circuit 330comprises a computer readable storage device that includes instructionsto be executed by the processor 310. In some embodiments, the memorycircuit 330 can be an independent circuit and in other embodiments, thememory circuit 330 can be integrated on chip with the processor 310.Alternately, in other embodiments, the instructions to be executed bythe processor 310 can be stored on a non-transitory storage medium likeROM, flash drive etc., and can be downloaded to the memory circuit 330for execution. In some embodiments, the memory circuit 330 can compriseone or more memory circuits. In some embodiments, the one or more memorycircuits can be integrated on a single chip or at a same location (e.g.,the integrated CMTS at the head-end). However, in other embodiments, theone or more memory circuits can be embedded on different chips (e.g.,associated with the CMTS core of the CMTS and the remote PHY device ofthe CMTS). As described in greater detail below, apparatus 300 canfacilitate to signal a potential blinding event to a CM, during a fullduplex mode.

In some embodiments, the processing circuit is configured to determineinformation on an upcoming upstream communication from a select CM(e.g., the CM1 204 b in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the processingcircuit is configured to determine information on an upcoming upstreamcommunication from the select CM based on receiving an upstreamcommunication request signal (e.g., the upstream communication requestsignal 208 in FIG. 2) from the select CM. For example, in someembodiments, when the select CM (e.g., the CM1 204 b in FIG. 2)associated with an IG (e.g., the IG 206) has upstream data to betransmitted to a CMTS (e.g., the CMTS 202 in FIG. 2), the select CMtransmits an upstream communication request signal (e.g., the upstreamcommunication request signal 208 in FIG. 2) to the CMTS. In someembodiments, the upstream communication request signal comprises arequest to allocate resources to the select CM, to enable the select CMto transmit the upstream data. In some embodiments, upstreamcommunication request signal further comprises information on one ormore parameters associated with the upstream data, for example, lengthas number of bits etc. In such embodiments, the processing circuit 310is configured to receive the upstream communication request signal, viathe transceiver circuit 320 and determine information on the upcomingupstream communication from the select CM based on allocating/schedulingresources to the select CM for upstream communication. In someembodiments, the processing circuit 310 is configured toallocate/schedule resources to the select CM for upstream communicationbased on the information in the upstream communication request signal,in accordance with the instructions stored in the memory circuit 330. Insome embodiments, the processing circuit 310 allocates a selectfrequency band to the select CM for the upstream communication. However,in other embodiments, the processing circuit 310 may be configured todetermine information on the upcoming upstream communication from theselect CM, differently.

In some embodiments, once the information on the upcoming upstreamcommunication (e.g., start time, duration, frequency band etc.) isdetermined for the select CM, the processing circuit 310 is furtherconfigured to generate an advance warning signal (e.g., the advancewarning signal 210 in FIG. 2) to be provided to one or more neighboringCMs (e.g., the CM0 204 a in FIG. 2) in the IG, in order to warn theneighboring CMs about a potential blinding event, due to the upstreamcommunication from the select CM. In some embodiments, the usage “one ormore neighboring CMs” refer to CMs within the same IG that are differentfrom the select CM.

Alternately, in other embodiments, once the information on the upcomingupstream communication (e.g., start time, duration, frequency band etc.)is determined for the select CM, the processing circuit 310 isconfigured to suspend a downstream communication from the CMTS to theone or more neighboring CMs in the select frequency band, during theduration of the signaled upstream communication, in order to prevent theeffects of blinding. However, in some embodiments, the processingcircuit 310 may be configured to schedule the downstream communicationto the one or more neighboring CMs, in a frequency band, different fromthe select frequency band, during the duration of the signaled upstreamcommunication. Further, in some embodiments, the processing circuit 310is configured to resume the downstream communication to the one or moreneighboring CMs in the select frequency band, after the signaledupstream communication has completed, based on the start time and theduration. Alternately, in some embodiments, once the information on theupcoming upstream communication (e.g., start time, duration, frequencyband etc.) is determined for the select CM, the processing circuit 310is configured to generate an advance warning signal (e.g., the advancewarning signal 210 in FIG. 2) to be provided to one or more neighboringCMs (e.g., the CM0 204 a in FIG. 2) in the IG as well as suspend adownstream communication from the CMTS to the one or more neighboringCMs in the select frequency band, during the duration of the signaledupstream communication, in order to prevent the effects of blinding.

In some embodiments, the advance warning signal comprises an informationthat a select CM (e.g., the CM1 204 b) in the IG (e.g., the IG 206 inFIG. 2) will be initiating an upstream communication in a selectfrequency band. In some embodiments, the advance warning signal furthercomprises information on the start time and the duration of the upstreamcommunication. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 310 isfurther configured to provide the advance warning signal to the one ormore neighboring CMs, via the transceiver circuit 320. In someembodiments, the processing circuit 310 is configured to provide theadvance warning signal to the one or more neighboring CMs, prior to thestart time of the upstream communication from the select CM. In someembodiments, the processing circuit 310 is configured to generate theadvance warning signal based on inserting the information associatedwith the advance warning signal into physical layer OFDM symbol headers.In some embodiments, the processing circuit 310 is configured to providethe advance warning signal to the one or more neighboring CMs, over aPhysical Layer channel (PLC). Alternately, in some embodiments, theprocessing circuit 310 is configured to provide the advance warningsignal to the one or more neighboring CMs, via media access control(MAC) messaging. Further, in some embodiments, the processing circuit310 may be configured to generate and provide the advance warning signal210 differently than above.

FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an apparatus 400 foruse in a modem that facilitates to take a protective action during apotential blinding event, according to various embodiments describedherein. In some embodiments, the modem comprises a cable modem (CM)associated with a cable modem communication network (e.g., the cablemodem communication network 150 in FIG. 1b ). In some embodiments, theapparatus 400 could be included within the cable modem CM0 204 a in FIG.2 and therefore, apparatus 400 is explained herein with reference to thecable modem CM0 204 a in FIG. 2. However, in other embodiments, theapparatus 400 could be included within any other modems, for example,the modems depicted in FIG. 1a or the cable modems depicted in FIG. 1band FIG. 2. The apparatus 400 includes a processing circuit 410, atransceiver circuit 420 (which can facilitate communication of data viaone or more networks in some aspects) and a memory circuit 430 (whichcan comprise any of a variety of storage mediums and can storeinstructions and/or data associated with at least one of the processor410 or transceiver circuitry 420). In some embodiments, the transceivercircuit 420 may include, inter alia, down-mixers, filters, and A/Dconverters to convert the high frequency downstream communication todigital data, such as baseband data for example.

In one embodiment, the transceiver circuitry 420 passes the digital datato the processing circuit 410. In some embodiments, the transceivercircuit 420 can comprise a receiver circuit and a transmitter circuit.In some embodiments, the processing circuit 410 can include one or moreprocessors. In some embodiments, the memory circuit 430 comprises acomputer readable storage device that includes instructions to beexecuted by the processor 410. In some embodiments, the memory circuit430 can be an independent circuit and in other embodiments, the memorycircuit 430 can be integrated on chip with the processor 410.Alternately, in other embodiments, the instructions to be executed bythe processor 410 can be stored on a non-transitory storage medium likeROM, flash drive etc., and can be downloaded to the memory circuit 430for execution. As described in greater detail below, apparatus 400 canfacilitate to take protective action at the CM during a potentialblinding event associated with a full-duplex mode of operation.

In some embodiments, the processing circuit 410 is configured to receivean advance warning signal (e.g., the advance warning signal 210 in FIG.2) from a CMTS (e.g., the CMTS 202 in FIG. 2), via the transceivercircuitry 420. In some embodiments, the advance warning signal comprisesan information that a select CM (e.g., the CM1 204 b in FIG. 2) in theIG (e.g., the IG 206 in FIG. 2) will be initiating an upstreamcommunication in a select frequency band. In some embodiments, theadvance warning signal further comprises information on the start timeand the duration of the upstream communication. Upon receiving theadvance warning signal, the processing circuit 410 is configured to takea protective action, in order to protect the CM from a potentialblinding event associated with the upstream communication of the selectCM. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 410 is configured totake the protective action, based on instructions stored in the memorycircuit 430. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 410 isconfigured to take the protective action prior to the start time of theupstream communication of the select CM.

In some embodiments, the processing circuit 410 is configured to takethe protective action by saving a current state of the processingcircuit 410, or the transceiver circuit 420, or both, in the memorycircuit 430, prior to the start time of the upstream communication ofthe select CM. In some embodiments, the current state of the processingcircuit 410, or the transceiver circuit 420 is characterized by one ormore of a signal level, a signal timing, a frequency offset, and achannel frequency response. Therefore, in such embodiments, theprocessing circuit 410 is configured to save information on one or moreof the signal level, the signal timing, the frequency offset, and thechannel frequency response, prior to the start time of the upstreamcommunication of the select CM. However, in other embodiments, thecurrent state of the processing circuit 410, or the transceiver circuit420 can be characterized differently, based on parameters different thanabove.

In some embodiments, the processing circuit 410 is further configured tosignal the transceiver circuit 420 to suspend a receipt of a downstreamcommunication from the CMTS in the select frequency band, during theduration of the signaled upstream communication. In some embodiments,the processing circuit 410 is configured to generate and provide one ormore control signals (not shown) to the transceiver circuit 420, inorder to signal the transceiver circuit 420 to suspend a receipt of adownstream communication from the CMTS, thereby enabling the processingcircuit 410 to take the protective action. In some embodiments, theprocessing circuit 410 is further configured to provide the one or morecontrol signals to the transceiver circuit 420, in order to receiveinformation on the current state of the transceiver circuit 420, therebyenabling the processing circuit 410 to take the protective action.

In some embodiments, taking the protective action at the processingcircuit 410 enables the CM (i.e., the CM0 204 a) to remain in a lockedstate or a frozen state with the CMTS, during the duration of upstreamcommunication from the select CM. In some embodiments, staying in thelock state or the frozen state allows the CM to quickly re-start/recoverat the end of the potential blinding event, without a need tore-synchronize with the CMTS. In some embodiments, the processingcircuit 410 is further configured to restore the current state of theprocessing circuit 410, or the transceiver circuit 420, or both, at atime associated with an end of the potential blinding event or theupstream communication from the select CM. In some embodiments, the timeassociated with an end of the potential blinding event is defined by thespecified start time and the specified duration in the advance warningsignal.

In some embodiments, the processing circuit 410 is further configured tosignal the transceiver circuit 420 to resume the receipt of thedownstream communication from the CMTS in the select frequency band,upon the restoring of the current state of the processing circuit 410 orthe transceiver circuit 420 or both. In some embodiments, the processingcircuit 410 is configured to generate and provide one or morerestoration signals (not shown) to the transceiver circuit 420, in orderto signal the transceiver circuit 420 to restore the current state ofthe processing circuit 410, or the transceiver circuit 420, or both. Insome embodiments, the processing circuit 410 is further configured toprovide the one or more restoration signals to the transceiver circuit420, in order to signal the transceiver circuitry 420 to resume thereceipt of the downstream communication from the CMTS in the selectfrequency band. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 410 isfurther configured to start a timer at the specified start time of thesignaled upstream communication and configured to count to a count valueassociated with the specified duration of the signaled upstreamcommunication.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method 500 for a head-end equipmentin a communication system, according to one embodiment of thedisclosure. The method 500 is explained herein with reference to theapparatus 300 in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 could beincluded within the head-end equipment 102 in FIG. 1a or the CMTS 152 inFIG. 1b or the CMTS 202 in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the method 500 isfurther explained with reference to the CMS 202 in the cable modemcommunication network 200 in FIG. 2). At 502, an advance warning signal(e.g., the advance warning signal 210 in FIG. 2) is generated at theprocessing circuit 310 to be provided to the one or more CMs (e.g., theCM0 204 a in FIG. 2) associated with an IG (e.g., the IG 206 in FIG. 2).In some embodiments, the advance warning signal comprises an informationthat a select CM (e.g., the CM1 204 b in FIG. 2) in the IG will beinitiating an upstream communication in a select frequency band. In someembodiments, the advance warning signal further comprises information onthe start time and the duration of the upstream communication.

In some embodiments, the advance warning signal is generated at theprocessing circuit 310, in response to determining information on theupcoming upstream communication from the select CM at the processingcircuit 310, or in response to receiving an upstream communicationrequest signal (e.g., the upstream communication request signal 208 inFIG. 2) from the select CM at the processing circuit 310. In someembodiments, the upstream communication request signal comprises arequest to allocate resources to the select CM, to enable the select CMto transmit the upstream data. At 504, the advance warning signal isprovided by the processing circuit 310 to the one or more CMs, via thetransceiver circuit 320. In some embodiments, the advance warning signalis provided to the one or more CMs, from the processing circuit 310,prior to the start time of the upstream communication.

In some embodiments, the advance warning signal is generated at theprocessing circuit 310 based on inserting the information associatedwith the advance warning signal into physical layer OFDM symbol headers.In some embodiments, the advance warning signal is provided from theprocessing circuit 310 to the one or more CMs over a Physical LayerChannel (PLC). Alternately, in other embodiments, the advance warningsignal is provided from the processing circuit 310 to the one or moreCMs via media access control (MAC) messaging. At 506, a downstreamcommunication from the CMTS to the one or more CMs of the IG in theselect frequency band is suspended by the processing circuit 310, duringthe duration of the signaled upstream communication. At 508, thedownstream communication to the one or more CMs of the IG is scheduledby the processing circuit 310, in a frequency band, different from theselect frequency band, during the duration of the signaled upstreamcommunication. At 510, the downstream communication to the one or moreCMs of the IG in the select frequency band is resumed by the processingcircuit 310, after the signaled upstream communication has completed,based on the start time and the duration.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method 600 for a modem in acommunication system, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Themethod 600 is explained herein with reference to the apparatus 400 inFIG. 4. In some embodiments, the apparatus 400 could be included withinthe CM0 204 a in FIG. 2 and is therefore explained herein with referenceto the cable modem CM0 204 a. However, in other embodiments, method 600can be explained with reference to any modem, for example, modems 104a-104 i in the communication system 100 in FIG. 1a . At 602, an advancewarning signal (e.g., the advance warning signal 210 in FIG. 2) isreceived at the processing circuit 410, from a CMTS (e.g., the CMTS 202in FIG. 2) via the transceiver circuit 420. In some embodiments, theadvance warning signal comprises an information that a select CM (e.g.,the CM1 204 b in FIG. 2) in an IG (e.g., IG 206 in FIG. 2) associatedtherewith will be initiating an upstream communication in a selectfrequency band. In some embodiments, the advance warning signal furthercomprises information on a start time and a duration of the upstreamcommunication.

At 604, a protective action is taken at the processing circuit 410 toprotect the CM (e.g., the CM0 204 a in FIG. 2) from a potential blindingevent associated with the upstream communication in the select frequencyband, in response to the advance warning signal. In some embodiments,taking the protective action at the processing circuit 410 enables theCM to remain in a lock state with the CMTS, during the upstreamcommunication of the select CM in the select frequency band. In someembodiments, the processing circuit 410 is further configured to start atimer at the specified start time of the signaled upstream communicationand configured to count to a count value associated with the specifiedduration of the signaled upstream communication.

In some embodiments, the processing circuit 410 is configured to takethe protective action by saving a current state of the processingcircuit 410, or the transceiver circuit 420, or both, in the memorycircuit 430. In some embodiments, the current state of the processingcircuit 410, or the transceiver circuit 420 is characterized by one ormore of a signal level, a signal timing, a frequency offset, and achannel frequency response. However, in other embodiments the currentstate of the processing circuit 410 or the transceiver circuit 420 canbe characterized differently than above. At 606, a reception of adownstream communication from the CMTS in the select frequency band, atthe transceiver circuit 420, is suspended by the processing circuit 410during the duration of the signaled upstream communication.

At 608, the current state of the processing circuit 410, or thetransceiver circuit 420 or both is restored by the processing circuit410, at a time associated with an end of the potential blinding event,wherein the time is based on the specified start time and the specifiedduration in the advance warning signal. In some embodiments, theprocessing circuit 410 is configured to retrieve one or more storedparameters associated with the current state of the processing circuit410, or the transceiver circuit 420, or both, from the memory circuit430, in order to restore the current state of the processing circuit410, or the transceiver circuit 420, or both. At 610, a reception of thedownstream communication from the CMTS in the select frequency band atthe transceiver circuit 420 is resumed by the processing circuit 410,upon the restoring of the current state of the processing circuit 410,or the transceiver circuit 420, or both.

While the methods are illustrated, and described above as a series ofacts or events, it will be appreciated that the illustrated ordering ofsuch acts or events are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Forexample, some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrentlywith other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or describedherein. In addition, not all illustrated acts may be required toimplement one or more aspects or embodiments of the disclosure herein.Also, one or more of the acts depicted herein may be carried out in oneor more separate acts and/or phases.

While the apparatus has been illustrated and described with respect toone or more implementations, alterations and/or modifications may bemade to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit andscope of the appended claims. In particular regard to the variousfunctions performed by the above described components or structures(assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), the terms (including areference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended tocorrespond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component or structurewhich performs the specified function of the described component (e.g.,that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurallyequivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in theherein illustrated exemplary implementations of the invention.

In particular regard to the various functions performed by the abovedescribed components (assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), theterms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe suchcomponents are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, toany component or structure which performs the specified function of thedescribed component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even thoughnot structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performsthe function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of thedisclosure. In addition, while a particular feature may have beendisclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, suchfeature may be combined with one or more other features of the otherimplementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given orparticular application.

To provide further context for various aspects of the disclosed subjectmatter, FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of device700 (e.g., a modem, a cable modem or gateway, etc.) related to access ofa network (e.g., base station, wireless access point, femtocell accesspoint, and so forth) that can enable and/or exploit features or aspectsof the disclosed aspects.

The device 700 can be utilized with one or more aspects (e.g., thehead-end equipment 102 in FIG. 1a , the CMTS 152 in FIG. 1b , the modems104 a-104 i in FIG. 1a , the CM0 204 a in FIG. 2, the CM1 204 b in FIG.2 etc.) of communication networks described herein according to variousaspects. The user device 700, for example, comprises a digital basebandprocessor 702 that can be coupled to a data store or memory 703 and afront end 704 (e.g., an RF front end, an acoustic front end, an opticalfront end, or the other like front end). The device 700 furthercomprises one or more input/output ports 707 configured to receive andtransmit signals to and from one or more devices such as access points,access terminals, wireless ports, routers and so forth, which canoperate within a radio access network or other communication networkgenerated via a network device (not shown).

The device 700 can be a radio frequency (RF) device for communicating RFsignals, an acoustic device for communicating acoustic signals, anoptical device for communicating optical signals, or any other signalcommunication device, such as a computer, a personal digital assistant,a mobile phone or smart phone, a tablet PC, a modem, a notebook, arouter, a switch, a repeater, a PC, network device, base station or alike device that can operate to communicate with a network or otherdevice according to one or more different communication protocols orstandards.

The front end 704 can include a communication platform, which compriseselectronic components and associated circuitry that provide forprocessing, manipulation or shaping of the received or transmittedsignals via one or more receivers or transmitters (e.g. transceivers)708, a mux/demux component 712, and a mod/demod component 714. The frontend 704 is coupled to the digital baseband processor 702 and the set ofinput/output ports 707. The front end 704 may be configured to performthe remodulation techniques described herein to extend the frequencyrange of the device 700. In one aspect, the user equipment device 700can comprise a phase locked loop system 710.

The processor 702 can confer functionality, at least in part, tosubstantially any electronic component within the mobile communicationdevice 700, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As an example,the processor 702 can be configured to execute, at least in part,executable instructions that cause the front end to remodulate signalsto selected frequencies. The processor 702 is functionally and/orcommunicatively coupled (e.g., through a memory bus) to memory 703 inorder to store or retrieve information necessary to operate and conferfunctionality, at least in part, to communication platform or front end704, the phase locked loop system 710 and substantially any otheroperational aspects of the phase locked loop system 710. The phaselocked loop system 710 includes at least one oscillator (e.g., a VCO,DCO or the like) that can be calibrated via core voltage, a coarsetuning value, signal, word or selection process.

The processor 702 can operate to enable the mobile communication device700 to process data (e.g., symbols, bits, or chips) formultiplexing/demultiplexing with the mux/demux component 712, ormodulation/demodulation via the mod/demod component 714, such asimplementing direct and inverse fast Fourier transforms, selection ofmodulation rates, selection of data packet formats, inter-packet times,etc. Memory 703 can store data structures (e.g., metadata), codestructure(s) (e.g., modules, objects, classes, procedures, or the like)or instructions, network or device information such as policies andspecifications, attachment protocols, code sequences for scrambling,spreading and pilot (e.g., reference signal(s)) transmission, frequencyoffsets, cell IDs, and other data for detecting and identifying variouscharacteristics related to RF input signals, a power output or othersignal components during power generation.

While the invention has been illustrated, and described with respect toone or more implementations, alterations and/or modifications may bemade to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit andscope of the appended claims. In particular regard to the variousfunctions performed by the above described components or structures(assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), the terms (including areference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended tocorrespond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component or structurewhich performs the specified function of the described component (e.g.,that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurallyequivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in theherein illustrated exemplary implementations of the invention.

Examples can include subject matter such as a method, means forperforming acts or blocks of the method, at least one machine-readablemedium including instructions that, when performed by a machine causethe machine to perform acts of the method or of an apparatus or systemfor concurrent communication using multiple communication technologiesaccording to embodiments and examples described herein.

Example 1 is a head-end equipment associated with a communication systemconfigured to interface with an interference group (IG) composed of twoor more modems, the head-end equipment comprising: a memory configuredto store a plurality of instructions; and one or more processorsconfigured to retrieve the plurality of instructions from the memory,and upon execution of the plurality of instructions is configured todetermine an upcoming upstream transmission from a select modem in theIG in a select frequency band; generate an advanced warning signal to beprovided to one or more modems, different from the select modem, in theIG or suspend a downstream communication from the head-end equipment tothe one or more modems of the IG in the select frequency band during aduration of the upstream communication, or both; wherein the advancedwarning signal communicates an information that the select modem in theIG will be initiating the upstream communication in the select frequencyband, as well as information on a start time and the duration of theupstream communication.

Example 2 is a head-end equipment, including the subject matter ofexample 1, wherein the one or more processors is further configured toresume the downstream communication to the one or more modems of the IGin the select frequency band, after the upstream communication hascompleted.

Example 3 is a head-end equipment, including the subject matter ofexamples 1-2, including or omitting elements, wherein the one or moreprocessors is further configured to schedule the downstreamcommunication to the one or more modems of the IG, in a frequency band,different from the select frequency band, during the duration of theupstream communication.

Example 4 is a head-end equipment, including the subject matter ofexamples 1-3, including or omitting elements, wherein the one or moreprocessors is configured to generate the advance warning signal based oninserting the information associated with the advance warning signalinto physical layer OFDM symbol headers.

Example 5 is a head-end equipment, including the subject matter ofexamples 1-4, including or omitting elements, wherein the one or moreprocessors is configured to provide the advance warning signal to theone or more modems, over a Physical Layer channel (PLC).

Example 6 is a head-end equipment, including the subject matter ofexamples 1-5, including or omitting elements, wherein the one or moreprocessors is configured to provide the advance warning signal to theone or more modems, via media access control (MAC) messaging.

Example 7 is a head-end equipment, including the subject matter ofexamples 1-6, including or omitting elements, wherein the head-endequipment comprises a cable modem termination system (CMTS) and themodems comprise cable modems (CMs).

Example 8 is a modem associated with a communication system configuredto interface with a head-end equipment in a full duplex mode (FDX),wherein the modem is a member of an interference group (IG) of aplurality of modems, comprising a memory configured to store a pluralityof instructions; and one or more processors configured to retrieve theplurality of instructions from the memory, and upon execution of theplurality of instructions is configured to receive an advance warningsignal from the head-end equipment, wherein the advance warning signalcomprises information that another select modem of the IG will beinitiating an upstream communication in a select frequency band, as wellas information on a start time and a duration of the signaled upstreamcommunication; and take a protective action to protect the modem from apotential blinding event associated with the upstream communication inthe select frequency band, in response to the advance warning signal,thereby enabling the modem to remain in a lock state with the head-endequipment, during the upstream communication in the select frequencyband.

Example 9 is a modem, including the subject matter of example 8, whereinthe one or more processors is configured to take the protective actionby saving a current state of the one or more processors, or atransceiver circuitry associated with the modem or both, in the memoryassociated therewith.

Example 10 is a modem, including the subject matter of examples 8-9,including or omitting elements, wherein the current state of the one ormore processors, or the transceiver circuitry is characterized by one ormore of a signal level, a signal timing, a frequency offset, and achannel frequency response.

Example 11 is a modem, including the subject matter of examples 8-10,including or omitting elements, wherein the one or more processors isfurther configured to restore the current state of the one or moreprocessors, or the transceiver circuitry, or both, at a time associatedwith an end of the potential blinding event, wherein the time is basedon the specified start time and the specified duration in the advancewarning signal.

Example 12 is a modem, including the subject matter of examples 8-11,including or omitting elements, wherein the one or more processors isfurther configured to signal the transceiver circuitry to suspend areceipt of a downstream communication from the head-end equipment at themodem, in the select frequency band, during the duration of the signaledupstream communication.

Example 13 is a modem, including the subject matter of examples 8-12,including or omitting elements, wherein the one or more processors isfurther configured to signal the transceiver circuitry to resume thereceipt of the downstream communication from the head-end equipment atthe modem, in the select frequency band, upon the restoring of thecurrent state of the one or more processors, or the transceivercircuitry or both.

Example 14 is a modem, including the subject matter of examples 8-13,including or omitting elements, wherein the one or more processors isfurther configured to generate one or more control signals to beprovided to the transceiver circuitry, in order to receive informationon the current state of the transceiver circuitry, or to signal thetransceiver circuitry to suspend a receipt of a downstream communicationfrom the head-end equipment, or both.

Example 15 is a modem, including the subject matter of examples 8-14,including or omitting elements, wherein the one or more processors isfurther configured to generate one or more restoration signals to beprovided to the transceiver circuitry, in order to enable thetransceiver circuitry to restore the current state and signal thetransceiver circuitry to resume the receipt of the downstreamcommunication from the head-end equipment in the select frequency band.

Example 16 is a modem, including the subject matter of examples 8-15,including or omitting elements, wherein the one or more processors isconfigured to take the protective action by starting a timer that isconfigured to count to a count value associated with the specifiedduration.

Example 17 is a modem, including the subject matter of examples 8-15,including or omitting elements, wherein the head-end equipment comprisesa cable modem termination system (CMTS) and the modems comprise cablemodems (CMs).

Example 18 is a head-end equipment associated with a communicationsystem configured to interface with an interference group (IG) composedof two or more modems, the head-end equipment comprising a memoryconfigured to store a plurality of instructions; and one or moreprocessors configured to retrieve the plurality of instructions from thememory, and upon execution of the plurality of instructions isconfigured to generate an advanced warning signal to be provided to oneor more UEs associated with the IG; wherein the advanced warning signalcommunicates an information that a select modem, different from the oneor more modems, in the IG will be initiating an upstream communicationin a select frequency band, as well as information on a start time and aduration of the upstream communication.

Example 19 is a head-end equipment, including the subject matter ofexample 18, wherein the one or more processors is further configured tosuspend a downstream communication from the head-end equipment to theone or more modems of the IG in the select frequency band, during theduration of the signaled upstream communication.

Example 20 is a head-end equipment, including the subject matter ofexamples 18-19, including or omitting elements, wherein the one or moreprocessors is further configured to resume the downstream communicationto the one or more modems of the IG in the select frequency band, afterthe signaled upstream communication has completed, based on the starttime and the duration.

Example 21 is a head-end equipment, including the subject matter ofexamples 18-20, including or omitting elements, wherein the one or moreprocessors is further configured to schedule the downstreamcommunication to the one or more modems of the IG, in a frequency band,different from the select frequency band, during the duration of thesignaled upstream communication.

Example 22 is a head-end equipment, including the subject matter ofexamples 18-21, including or omitting elements, wherein the one or moreprocessors is configured to generate the advance warning signal based oninserting the information associated with the advance warning signalinto physical layer OFDM symbol headers.

Example 23 is a head-end equipment, including the subject matter ofexamples 18-22, including or omitting elements, wherein the one or moreprocessors is configured to provide the advance warning signal to theone or more modems, over a Physical Layer channel (PLC).

Example 24 is a head-end equipment, including the subject matter ofexamples 18-23, including or omitting elements, wherein the one or moreprocessors is configured to provide the advance warning signal to theone or more modems, via media access control (MAC) messaging.

Example 25 is a head-end equipment, including the subject matter ofexamples 18-24, including or omitting elements, wherein the head-endequipment comprises a cable modem termination system (CMTS) and themodems comprise cable modems (CMs).

Example 26 is a cable modem (CM) configured to interface with a cablemodem termination system (CMTS) in a full duplex mode (FDX), wherein thecable modem is a member of an interference group (IG) of a plurality ofCMs, comprising a memory configured to store a plurality ofinstructions; and one or more processors configured to retrieve theplurality of instructions from the memory, and upon execution of theplurality of instructions is configured to receive an advance warningsignal from the CMTS, wherein the advance warning signal comprisesinformation that another select CM of the IG will be initiating anupstream communication in a select frequency band, as well asinformation on a start time and a duration of the signaled upstreamcommunication; and take a protective action to protect the CM from apotential blinding event associated with the upstream communication inthe select frequency band, in response to the advance warning signal,thereby enabling the CM to remain in a lock state with the CMTS, duringthe upstream communication in the select frequency band.

Example 27 is a CM, including the subject matter of example 26, whereinthe one or more processors is configured to take the protective actionby saving a current state of the one or more processors, or atransceiver circuitry associated with the CM or both, in the memoryassociated therewith.

Example 28 is a CM, including the subject matter of examples 26-27,including or omitting elements, wherein the current state of the one ormore processors, or the transceiver circuitry is characterized by one ormore of a signal level, a signal timing, a frequency offset, and achannel frequency response.

Example 29 is a CM, including the subject matter of examples 26-28,including or omitting elements, wherein the one or more processors isfurther configured to restore the current state of the one or moreprocessors, or the transceiver circuitry, or both, at a time associatedwith an end of the potential blinding event, wherein the time is basedon the specified start time and the specified duration in the advancewarning signal.

Example 30 is a CM, including the subject matter of examples 26-29,including or omitting elements, wherein the one or more processors isfurther configured to signal the transceiver circuitry to suspend areceipt of a downstream communication from the CMTS at the CM, in theselect frequency band, during the duration of the signaled upstreamcommunication.

Example 31 is a CM, including the subject matter of examples 26-30,including or omitting elements, wherein the one or more processors isfurther configured to signal the transceiver circuitry to resume thereceipt of the downstream communication from the CMTS at the CM, in theselect frequency band, upon the restoring of the current state of theone or more processors, or the transceiver circuitry or both.

Example 32 is a CM, including the subject matter of examples 26-31,including or omitting elements, wherein the one or more processors isfurther configured to generate one or more control signals to beprovided to the transceiver circuitry, in order to receive informationon the current state of the transceiver circuitry, or to signal thetransceiver circuitry to suspend a receipt of a downstream communicationfrom the CMTS, or both.

Example 33 is a CM, including the subject matter of examples 26-32,including or omitting elements, wherein the one or more processors isfurther configured to generate one or more restoration signals to beprovided to the transceiver circuitry, in order to enable thetransceiver circuitry to restore the current state and signal thetransceiver circuitry to resume the receipt of the downstreamcommunication from the CMTS in the select frequency band.

Example 34 is a CM, including the subject matter of examples 26-33,including or omitting elements, wherein the one or more processors isconfigured to take the protective action by starting a timer that isconfigured to count to a count value associated with the specifiedduration.

Example 35 is a method for a cable modem termination system (CMTS)configured to interface with an interference group (IG) composed of twoor more cable modems (CMs), comprising: generating, at a processingcircuit associated with the CMTS, an advanced warning signal to beprovided to one or more cable modems (CMs) associated with the IG;wherein the advanced warning signal communicates an information that aselect CM, different from the one or more CMs, in the IG will beinitiating an upstream communication in a select frequency band, as wellas information on a start time and a duration of the upstreamcommunication.

Example 36 is a method, including the subject matter of example 35,including or omitting elements, further comprising suspending, by theprocessing circuit, a downstream communication from the CMTS to the oneor more CMs of the IG in the select frequency band, during the durationof the signaled upstream communication.

Example 37 is a method, including the subject matter of examples 35-36,including or omitting elements, further comprising resuming, by theprocessing circuit, the downstream communication to the one or more CMsof the IG in the select frequency band, after the signaled upstreamcommunication has completed, based on the start time and the duration ofthe upstream communication.

Example 38 is a method, including the subject matter of examples 35-37,including or omitting elements, further comprising scheduling, by theprocessing circuit, the downstream communication to the one or more CMsof the IG, in a frequency band, different from the select frequencyband, during the duration of the signaled upstream communication.

Example 39 is a method for a cable modem (CM) configured to interfacewith a cable modem termination system (CMTS) in a full duplex mode(FDX), wherein the cable modem is a member of an interference group (IG)of a plurality of CMs, comprising receiving, at a processing circuitassociated with the CM, an advance warning signal from the CMTS, whereinthe advance warning signal comprises information that another select CMof the IG will be initiating an upstream communication in a selectfrequency band, as well as information on a start time and a duration ofthe signaled upstream communication; and taking a protective action toprotect the CM from a potential blinding event associated with theupstream communication in the select frequency band, by the processingcircuit, in response to the advance warning signal, thereby enabling theCM to remain in a lock state with the CMTS, during the upstreamcommunication in the select frequency band.

Example 40 is a method, including the subject matter of example 39,wherein taking the protective action comprises saving, by the processingcircuit, a current state of the processing circuit, or a transceivercircuitry associated with the CM or both, in a memory associatedtherewith.

Example 41 is a method, including the subject matter of examples 39-40,including or omitting elements, further comprising restoring, by theprocessing circuit, the current state of the processing circuit, or thetransceiver circuitry, or both, at a time associated with an end of thepotential blinding event, wherein the time is based on the specifiedstart time and the specified duration in the advance warning signal.

Example 42 is a method, including the subject matter of examples 39-41,including or omitting elements, further comprising suspending, by theprocessing circuit, a receipt of a downstream communication from theCMTS at the CM, in the select frequency band, during the duration of thesignaled upstream communication.

Example 43 is a method, including the subject matter of examples 39-42,including or omitting elements, further comprising resuming, by theprocessing circuit, the receipt of the downstream communication from theCMTS at the CM, in the select frequency band, upon the restoring of thecurrent state of the processing circuit, or the transceiver circuitry orboth.

Various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, and circuitsdescribed in connection with aspects disclosed herein can be implementedor performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform functions described herein. Ageneral-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but, in thealternative, processor can be any conventional processor, controller,microcontroller, or state machine.

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subjectdisclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the preciseforms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are describedherein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possiblethat are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples,as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize.

In this regard, while the disclosed subject matter has been described inconnection with various embodiments and corresponding Figures, whereapplicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can beused or modifications and additions can be made to the describedembodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitutefunction of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom.Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to anysingle embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed inbreadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.

In particular regard to the various functions performed by the abovedescribed components (assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), theterms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe suchcomponents are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, toany component or structure which performs the specified function of thedescribed component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even thoughnot structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performsthe function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of thedisclosure. In addition, while a particular feature may have beendisclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, suchfeature may be combined with one or more other features of the otherimplementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given orparticular application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A head-end equipment associated with acommunication system configured to interface with an interference group(IG) composed of two or more modems, the head-end equipment comprising:a memory configured to store a plurality of instructions; and one ormore processors configured to retrieve the plurality of instructionsfrom the memory, and upon execution of the plurality of instructions isconfigured to: determine an upcoming upstream transmission from a selectmodem in the IG in a select frequency band; generate an advanced warningsignal to be provided to one or more modems, different from the selectmodem, in the IG or suspend a downstream communication from the head-endequipment to the one or more modems of the IG in the select frequencyband during a duration of the upstream communication, or both; whereinthe advanced warning signal communicates an information that the selectmodem in the IG will be initiating the upstream communication in theselect frequency band, as well as information on a start time and theduration of the upstream communication.
 2. The head-end equipment ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more processors is further configured toresume the downstream communication to the one or more modems of the IGin the select frequency band, after the upstream communication hascompleted.
 3. The head-end equipment of claim 1, wherein the one or moreprocessors is further configured to schedule the downstreamcommunication to the one or more modems of the IG, in a frequency band,different from the select frequency band, during the duration of theupstream communication.
 4. The head-end equipment of claim 1, whereinthe one or more processors is configured to generate the advance warningsignal based on inserting the information associated with the advancewarning signal into physical layer OFDM symbol headers.
 5. The head-endequipment of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors is configuredto provide the advance warning signal to the one or more modems, over aPhysical Layer channel (PLC).
 6. The head-end equipment of claim 1,wherein the one or more processors is configured to provide the advancewarning signal to the one or more modems, via media access control (MAC)messaging.
 7. The head-end equipment of claim 1, wherein the head-endequipment comprises a cable modem termination system (CMTS) and themodems comprise cable modems (CMs).
 8. A modem associated with acommunication system configured to interface with a head-end equipmentin a full duplex mode (FDX), wherein the modem is a member of aninterference group (IG) of a plurality of modems, comprising: a memoryconfigured to store a plurality of instructions; and one or moreprocessors configured to retrieve the plurality of instructions from thememory, and upon execution of the plurality of instructions isconfigured to: receive an advance warning signal from the head-endequipment, wherein the advance warning signal comprises information thatanother select modem of the IG will be initiating an upstreamcommunication in a select frequency band, as well as information on astart time and a duration of the signaled upstream communication; andtake a protective action to protect the modem from a potential blindingevent associated with the upstream communication in the select frequencyband, in response to the advance warning signal, thereby enabling themodem to remain in a lock state with the head-end equipment, during theupstream communication in the select frequency band.
 9. The modem ofclaim 8, wherein the one or more processors is configured to take theprotective action by saving a current state of the one or moreprocessors, or a transceiver circuitry associated with the modem orboth, in the memory associated therewith.
 10. The modem of claim 9,wherein the current state of the one or more processors, or thetransceiver circuitry is characterized by one or more of a signal level,a signal timing, a frequency offset, and a channel frequency response.11. The modem of claim 9, wherein the one or more processors is furtherconfigured to restore the current state of the one or more processors,or the transceiver circuitry, or both, at a time associated with an endof the potential blinding event, wherein the time is based on thespecified start time and the specified duration in the advance warningsignal.
 12. The modem of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors isfurther configured to signal the transceiver circuitry to suspend areceipt of a downstream communication from the head-end equipment at themodem, in the select frequency band, during the duration of the signaledupstream communication.
 13. The modem of claim 12, wherein the one ormore processors is further configured to signal the transceivercircuitry to resume the receipt of the downstream communication from thehead-end equipment at the modem, in the select frequency band, upon therestoring of the current state of the one or more processors, or thetransceiver circuitry or both.
 14. The modem of claim 12, wherein theone or more processors is further configured to generate one or morecontrol signals to be provided to the transceiver circuitry, in order toreceive information on the current state of the transceiver circuitry,or to signal the transceiver circuitry to suspend a receipt of adownstream communication from the head-end equipment, or both.
 15. Themodem of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors is furtherconfigured to generate one or more restoration signals to be provided tothe transceiver circuitry, in order to enable the transceiver circuitryto restore the current state and signal the transceiver circuitry toresume the receipt of the downstream communication from the head-endequipment in the select frequency band.
 16. The modem of claim 8,wherein the one or more processors is configured to take the protectiveaction by starting a timer that is configured to count to a count valueassociated with the specified duration.
 17. The modem of claim 8,wherein the head-end equipment comprises a cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS) and the modems comprise cable modems (CMs).
 18. A head-endequipment associated with a communication system configured to interfacewith an interference group (IG) composed of two or more modems, thehead-end equipment comprising: a memory configured to store a pluralityof instructions; and one or more processors configured to retrieve theplurality of instructions from the memory, and upon execution of theplurality of instructions is configured to: generate an advanced warningsignal to be provided to one or more UEs associated with the IG; whereinthe advanced warning signal communicates an information that a selectmodem, different from the one or more modems, in the IG will beinitiating an upstream communication in a select frequency band, as wellas information on a start time and a duration of the upstreamcommunication.
 19. The head-end equipment of claim 18, wherein the oneor more processors is further configured to suspend a downstreamcommunication from the head-end equipment to the one or more modems ofthe IG in the select frequency band, during the duration of the signaledupstream communication.
 20. The head-end equipment of claim 19, whereinthe one or more processors is further configured to resume thedownstream communication to the one or more modems of the IG in theselect frequency band, after the signaled upstream communication hascompleted, based on the start time and the duration.
 21. The head-endequipment of claim 19, wherein the one or more processors is furtherconfigured to schedule the downstream communication to the one or moremodems of the IG, in a frequency band, different from the selectfrequency band, during the duration of the signaled upstreamcommunication.
 22. The head-end equipment of claim 18, wherein the oneor more processors is configured to generate the advance warning signalbased on inserting the information associated with the advance warningsignal into physical layer OFDM symbol headers.
 23. The head-endequipment of claim 18, wherein the one or more processors is configuredto provide the advance warning signal to the one or more modems, over aPhysical Layer channel (PLC).
 24. The head-end equipment of claim 18,wherein the one or more processors is configured to provide the advancewarning signal to the one or more modems, via media access control (MAC)messaging.
 25. The head-end equipment of claim 18, wherein the head-endequipment comprises a cable modem termination system (CMTS) and themodems comprise cable modems (CMs).